Materials separation by dielectrophoresisThe feasibility of vacuum dielectrophoresis as a method for particulate materials separation in a microgravity environment was investigated. Particle separations were performed in a specially constructed miniature drop-tower with a residence time of about 0.3 sec. Particle motion in such a system is independent of size and based only on density and dielectric constant, for a given electric field. The observed separations and deflections exceeded the theoretical predictions, probably due to multiparticle effects. In any case, this approach should work well in microgravity for many classes of materials, with relatively simple apparatus and low weight and power requirements.
Document ID
19880034822
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sagar, A. D. (Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)